What Does It Mean to Be Ohio’s Librarian of the Year?

Written by Angela Hursh, Brand and Communications Director

This week, the Ohio Library Council named the Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director of the Library Paula Brehm-Heeger as its 2026 Librarian of the Year, the organization's highest individual honor. 

At first glance, it may seem like this award is about one leader's accomplishments. In many ways, it is. It recognizes Paula's leadership, vision, and service to libraries across Ohio.  

But it's also something more. It's recognition of what's possible when a community invests in its public library. 

Since becoming the Library Director, Paula has taken that investment seriously. She leads CHPL with a simple philosophy: Every decision must strengthen the Library's ability to serve the people of Hamilton County. 

That philosophy guides every initiative, including our 10-year Facility Master Plan which is modernizing library spaces across the county and investing in communities. It is the driving force behind programs that increase literacy for kids and adults, reduce social isolation among older adults, empower job-seekers, and launch innovative services like the Telescope Lending Program.  

Paula's story is also one of broader impact. Through her leadership with the Ohio Library Council and her advocacy at the Statehouse, Paula has worked to ensure libraries throughout Ohio have the resources and support they need to serve their communities. She knows that when Hamilton County libraries succeed, libraries across Ohio benefit. This award is evidence of that idea in action. 

Awards matter because they come from peers who understand the work. The Ohio Library Council's recognition affirms that CHPL is not only meeting today's challenges but helping shape the future of public libraries. It validates years of thoughtful planning, innovation, and community partnership. 

For Hamilton County residents, that's something to celebrate. Every visit to a branch, every child who discovers a love of reading, every family that finds a welcoming place to gather, and every person who connects with new opportunities through the Library is part of this story. 

This award reflects the dedication of the hundreds of CHPL employees who bring the Library's mission to life every day. 

As we celebrate this honor, we're also looking ahead. Because the goal has never been to win awards. It's to build a library system that continues to earn the trust of our community and to share what we learn so libraries across Ohio can grow stronger, too.

Angela is currently reading "The Prodigal Summer" by Barbara Kingsolver.